What Are the 10 Deadliest Animals?

There are millions of species of animals on our planet.  And within those millions, some are deadly to humans while others are not.  While we think of the most deadly animals to be large and intimidating, it may surprise some to find out that some of the 10 deadliest animals are some of the world's smallest species.

1. Mosquito: Surprisingly, the mosquito is thought to be the most deadly animal.  It is responsible for transmitting the disease malaria to humans.  It is also known for transmitting West Nile virus, Dengue fever, Rift Valley fever and Yellow fever.


2. Asian Cobra:  Found in India, China, Vietnam and Thailand, they inhabit areas of grasslands, open forests and areas with human habitation. The Asian cobra is important for controlling the population of mice and rats, which damage crops.  These snakes are responsible for thousands of deaths each year.  The venom of this snake does not respond to the anti-venom and the tissue surrounding the snakebite continues to break down causing permanent damage.


3. Australian Box Jellyfish:  This jellyfish is the most venomous marine animal. It is pale blue in color and transparent which makes it hard to see in the water.  It can be found in the Australian northern oceans. The sting of the jellyfish affects the skin, the heart and the nerves.  Those who are stung usually go into shock because of the severe pain and eventually die.


4. Great White Shark:  This shark can grow up to 20 feet long and 5000 pounds.  It is found in the coastal waters of all major oceans.  These animals are carnivorous and feed on other fish, dolphins, seals, sea turtles and sea otters.   


5. African Lion:  The African lion can live up to 12 years in the wild.  They frequently inhabit the grasslands and plains of sub-Sahara Africa.  These lions are considered deadly because they live and hunt together in a group. They are carnivores eating prey such as zebras, wildebeest, giraffes and buffalo.


6. Australian Saltwater Crocodile:  This crocodile is the largest living reptile and considered the most dangerous animal in Australia.  Killing about 2 people per year, they   are found in the waters along the coastline, rivers, swamps and billabongs. They eat mainly reptiles, fish and turtles but have been known to eat wild pigs, cattle and horses. 


7. Elephant:  The African elephant is the largest land mammal and typically live for 50 to 70 years.  They are found in Africa and Asia.  These animals are some of the most dangerous animals due to their size and strength. They have the ability to crush other animals and are also known to attach villages, killing hundreds of people.


8. Polar Bear:  These bears can be found in the arctic regions where they regularly hunt for seals, their preferred diet.  They will attack intruders when they feel their young are threatened or if they are hungry and searching for food.


9. Cape Buffalo:  This buffalo is found in Africa and known to be an herbivore.  It is considered one of Africa’s Big Five and kills over 200 people a year.  It can be found living in swamps, grasslands and forests of Africa’s major mountains. 


10. Poison Dart Frog: The poison dart frog is a small, colorful frog found in the rainforests of Brazil, Costa Rica, Bolivia and Venezuela.  They have colors of red, yellow, orange, glue green and black with aposematic patterns used to ward off predators.  They are named dart frogs because their toxic secretions have been used to poison the tips of blow darts.